Considering upgrading my present 2007 diesel TV for something newer. One of the trucks I am looking at is a 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500 Z71 2wd. I have no experience in Chevy/GMC and wanted to get some opinions of those who own them.

1. What is the difference between a Chevy and GMC?
2. Love, It is ok, or hate your Chevy/GMC?
3. I am looking at 2010 - 2013 models. Any difference in those years? One year better than another? I would assume the later the better?
4. I am towing around a 34'/9,000 pound TT. For those towing around the same (TT or 5er); what type of MPG are you seeing?
5. Any other pertinent info you would like to pass on.

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4. On a typical 6 week round trip Chicago to Wyoming and Montana, towing a 27' 5th wheel, I average just under 12 mgp. This is partly towing and partly not towing. towing a TT will get better mpg, because it is lower and has less wind resistance. The weight is not a significant factor.

towing a TT will get better mpg, because it is lower and has less wind resistance. The weight is not a significant factor.

I though the same as you. I just went from a 30' 5er to a 34' TT. Went on our first long trip with it and I lost around 1 mpg. Averaged around 12.5 - 13 with the 5er, saw 11.5 with the TT. Now, I know there can be lots of contributing factors......but, was a little disappointed.

...towing a TT will get better mpg, because it is lower and has less wind resistance...

A slight violation of the first rule of aerodynamics.

A brick is a brick no matter how tall, wide, or long it is. How you manage the air over, under, and around the brick is what counts!

In outward appearance the TT looks like it should return better MPG, but that isn't always the case. Even though the 5er and truck are a taller, their drag coefficient together may just be better than the same truck with a "lower" TT attached.

I'll tell you something I LOVE about my chevy, and it has nothing to do with the engine....

The gas and brake pedal are in just the right spot.

I also own a 2015 Ford F150, and I think the gas pedal and brake pedal are too far left, and it's uncomfortable to drive for hours... hate that about it. My feet cramp, and I have to really rotate my ankle a lot to reach the brake. Just food for thought.

My neighbor has a 2500 diesel, 2008... and he tows a 33 foot heavy trailer and he's reporting around 13mpg when towing on flat ground, 6 to 8 in the mountains.

I have a 2004.5 GMC and it has performed flawlessly as a TV for the past 6 years. I have been reluctant to consider a newer model Duramax because of the learning pains involved with the more recent DPF/DEF emissions systems-and I can't seem to be able to come up with ~$70K for a brand new one these days. As far as I can see, the 2014 MY and newer are pretty solid. I would spend some time researching on the Duramax forums or searching for problems on the specific year. Some years were good and some had troubling issues and not all dealerships seem to know how to fix emissions problems. A VIN check (or Carfax) report may show recurring problems. There is no difference between Chevy and GMC other than trim, mechanicals are identical.

So if you stop at 2010 you don't have to worry about DEF but you lose about 30hp and 100ft/lbs tq. I've heard the DEF isn't that big a deal but mileage can suffer a 's you have to take in the added expense especially when towing. I don't have a duramax but I'm not saying their not a good motor. If I were to get one, it would still be the LBZ from 06-07. But that's just a personal preference much like my 06 Cummins. The Allison transmission remains relatively unchanged since about 07 which why would it since it's a great tranny. Mpg with my Cummins and a 37ft 9500lb trailer is anywhere from 9-13. My dad has the same truck but a 36ft 11k 5th wheel, Mpg is 9-13. In my opinion Mpg will in all honestly be very similar between all of the big 3. And that's if everyone would be honest about their Mpg lol.

2011 was the first year the DEF/DPF was put on the Duramax. I have heard a lot of people have had problems with them.
answers:
1- Besides the name, the GMC is supposed to be a "step above" I believe. As mentioned, in trim only. The frame and mechanicals are the same.
2- I have had 2 Silverados with LTZ packages. The first was an 08 1500. I liked the interior so much I opted for a 2014 2500 with the same interior instead of the new body style/new interior. I love my Duramax.
3- As far as year, I have a 14 and have had no problems with it. As mentioned, when it goes into "regen" to burn out the diesel particulate filter mileage can really take a hit.
4- I am towing a 26' TT Toy Hauler (31' hitch to spare) which is around 10k lbs. I can pull a bit over 10 mpg with my stock truck on 35" tires and a 6.5" lift.
5- Here is a website for insight Chevy and GMC Duramax Diesel Forum

So if you stop at 2010 you don't have to worry about DEF but you lose about 30hp and 100ft/lbs tq. I've heard the DEF isn't that big a deal but mileage can suffer a 's you have to take in the added expense especially when towing. I don't have a duramax but I'm not saying their not a good motor. If I were to get one, it would still be the LBZ from 06-07. But that's just a personal preference much like my 06 Cummins. The Allison transmission remains relatively unchanged since about 07 which why would it since it's a great tranny. Mpg with my Cummins and a 37ft 9500lb trailer is anywhere from 9-13. My dad has the same truck but a 36ft 11k 5th wheel, Mpg is 9-13. In my opinion Mpg will in all honestly be very similar between all of the big 3. And that's if everyone would be honest about their Mpg lol.

As you can see from my signature I presently have a 07 Ram 5.9 Cummins. Towing my 5er, I saw 12-13.

I am not a die hard Dodge fan though. Why I am looking into others along with Ram (at least a 2013 there).

Wish I could see the signatures on the mobile app. I'm not a diehard ram guy either. Got a killer deal and I love the megacab. However I do think the 04-07 ford looks the best, just don't prefer the motor. I've heard good things about the 6.7 ford too. If I could pick another truck I'd probably go with a 2012 megacab dually since it was the last year ram didn't go to the DEF but I think that year had some of those steering issues that had to be recalled. It's a tough call really which truck you'd like. I'd pick the best maintained with all the features you want for the most reasonable price.

Wish I could see the signatures on the mobile app. I'm not a diehard ram guy either. Got a killer deal and I love the megacab. However I do think the 04-07 ford looks the best, just don't prefer the motor. I've heard good things about the 6.7 ford too. If I could pick another truck I'd probably go with a 2012 megacab dually since it was the last year ram didn't go to the DEF but I think that year had some of those steering issues that had to be recalled. It's a tough call really which truck you'd like. I'd pick the best maintained with all the features you want for the most reasonable price.

I have been told to lean toward the 2013 and up because of the DEF. 2012 and previous still had the EGR stuff and MPG/power was worse. Supposedly, once they went with DEF they could get rid of EGR and MPG/power went back up.

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2003 Teton Grand Freedom. 2006 Freightliner Century 120 with Detroit 14L and Ultrashift.. Full time going from job to job. Building and maintaining plants across the USA. Sold 2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3